He has also performed the role in numerous opera houses such as Detroit Opera, Seattle Opera, and at Pittsburgh Opera as well as on the recording made by Washington National Opera he soon travels to Amsterdam in The Netherlands for the European premiere of “Blue.”Īundi Marie Moore, who will sing the role of The Mother, has established herself as an exceptional talent with her appearance as Strawberry Woman in the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of “Porgy and Bess” last season. Kenneth Kellogg, who originated the role of The Father at the Glimmerglass Festival, will once again sing The Father with Toledo Opera. composer Jeanine Tesori, and conductor Chelsea Tipton From left, ‘Blue” librettist Tazewell Thompson. Local scholars provide historical context and insight and are available to take questions after the talk.įirst performed in 2019 at the Glimmerglass Festival, and the recipient of the Music Critics Association of North America’s 2020 Award for Best New Opera, the plot of “Blue” centers on an African American couple in Harlem as they anticipate the birth of their firstborn, a son, with both hope and fear.Īs the baby grows into a young man, the mother worries for his future, and the father tries to prepare his son for the realities of 21st century America, while wrestling with his own identity as a police officer, a “Black man in blue.” When their deepest fears come true, the family is forced to navigate a devastating reality seeking answers and support from their church and community.Ĭhelsea Tipton, II returns to Toledo to conduct the opera and librettist Tazewell Thompson serves as the stage director. Toledo Opera will also host a free Pre-Opera Talk one hour before each show in the Grand Lobby of the Valentine Theatre. They can be purchased by calling the Toledo Opera box office at 41.) This continues while supplies of reduced price tickets last. (Toledo Opera is offering a limited supply of reduced ticket price of $35 for both performances of “Blue’ for a limited time. Influenced by gospel music and using vivid flashbacks, “Blue” places timely issues at the forefront of modern opera and invites audiences to the emotional epicenter of their impact. at the Valentine Theatre, 400 North Superior, Toledo.

Toledo Opera will present the Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori and NAACP Theatre Award–winning librettist Tazewell Thompson’s new opera “Blue” on Friday, Aug.

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